Apparatus for making stress-strain tests



' Nov. 17, 1953 D.'I UBAHN 2,659,232

APPARATUS FOR MAKING STRESS-STRAIN TESTS Filed May 27, 1949 8 Sheets-Sheet l l V 'F UP J APPARATUS 3 TRAIN DRIVE APP/4 RA 71/5 Inventor: Jack D. Lubahn,

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J. D- LUBAHN APPARATUS FOR MAKING STRESS-STRAIN TESTS Nov. T7, 1953 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 27, 1949 SPEED REDUCTWN GEARS 5m u 0 w W fw m M).- 00 H/ 2 ?21 O n CAPSULE T0 PR E 55 URE Inventor: Jack Lubahn,

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Nov. 17, 1953 J D. LUBAHN 2,659,232

APPARATUS FOR MAKING STRESS-STRAIN TESTS Filed May 27, 1949 s Sheets-Sheet 5 Q Hi Inventor:

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Nov. 17, 1953 Filed May 2'7, 1949 TIME STRESS J. D. LUBAHN 2,659,232

APPARATUS FOR MAKING STRESS-STRAIN TESTS 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Fig. IO.

501] DECREASE STRES S- STRAIN 9 0 II DEC REASE 50 6b 7 0 ab 9 0 I00 n'o 1:50 r so 90 so I00 no STRAIN Inventor: Jack D. Lubahn,

His Attorney Nov. 17, 1953 J. D. LUBAHN 2,659,232

APPARATUS FOR MAKING STRESS-STRAIN TESTS Filed May 27, 1949 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 llIl|lllllllllllllIlllIIIlllllIIllIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIID IHIIH III H] llllllllllllllllllllllllll Ml mmml I II I lllllllllll llllllllIlllllllIlllllllllllllllllIIIllllllllllllllllllllh H KE 2;

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His AttoT'ne Jack D. Lubhan Nov. 17, 1953 LUBAHN 2,659,232

APPARATUS FOR MAKING STRESS-STRAIN TESTS Filed May 27, 1949 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Hllllllll? HlllkllllIllll\l|lllll|llllllllllllllllllh MOTOR m l 5- 1 1'0 TIME TO STRESS m\\\\\\\\\\\\\\| I/s VIII/11 A Inventor: Jack DLubahU His Abborney.

Nov. 17, 1953 J. D. LUBAHN APPARATUS FOR MAKING STRESS-STRAIN TESTS 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed May 27, 1949 -l wm ml V/ mWwEFW Inventor: Jack D. Lubahn,

His Attorney.

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Patented Nov. 17, 1953 APPARATUS FOR MAKING STRESS-STRAIN TEST Jack D. Lubahn, Schenectady, N. Y., assignor to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Application May 27, 1949, Serial No. 95,816

7 Claims.

1 This invention relates to improvements in apparatus for testing materials, and in particular to apparatus whereby the stress versus strain and the rate of strain of a test specimen of the material are recorded simultaneously.

Testing machines have previously been built with recorders for automatically recording the stress vs. strain characteristic of a test specimen.

However, particularly in making tests at elevated temperatures, the stress-strain curves so obtained have sometimes shown discrepancies and transient phenomena which could not be satisfactorily explained, because the instantaneous rate of strain of the test specimen could not be determined.

At comparatively low temperatures, exact values depending upon the particular metal, large variations in strain rate have relatively little eiiect upon the strength of the material in dicated by the stress-strain curve. Consequently, rate-of-strain is generally not taken into consideration when making tests at or near room temperature. But at elevated temperatures, the

strength of metals varies greatly with relatively small variations in the rate of strain. For example, at C. there is an increase of about 5% in the strength of an iron specimen when the strain rate is increased by a factor of 10,000; at

500 C. the strength of iron doubles when the.

strain rate is increased by a factor of 10.

An object of this invention is to provide means for simultaneously recording the stress vs. strain and the rate of strain of a test specimen, so that the instantaneous rate of strain at any point on Another object is to provide a rate-of-strain. recorder having means for quickly making large changes in scale to facilitate measurement of large, sudden changes in the rate of strain.

Another object is to provide apparatus using a single electric strain. gauge attached to the test,

specimen for recording stress vs. strain and rate of strain simultaneously on the same chart.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent as the description proceeds.

For a better understanding of the invention, reference is made in the following description to the accompanying drawings in which Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a testing machine and recorder for simultaneously recording stress vs. strain and rate of strain; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the recorder chart drum and pens; Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of one type of strain drive apparatus; Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of one type of stress drive apparatus; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred form of time drive apparatus; Fig. 6 is a schematic view showing the arrangement of gears in the apparatus of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a developed view of the gear train in the apparatus of Fig. 5; Figs. 8, 9, and 10 are examples of curves made with the apparatus described; Fig. 11 is a developed view of the gear train of an alternative time drive apparatus; Fig. 12 is a view partly in section, of one form of overrunning clutch which may be used in the apparatus of Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is a view along the line l3--l3 of Fig. 12; Fig. 14 is a developed view of the gear train of another alternative time drive apparatus; Fig. 15 is a section of one type of clutch mechanism which may be used in the apparatus of Fig. 14; Fig. 16 is a front view of the retaining washer of the clutch shown in Fig. 15; Fig. 17 is a perspective View showing an alternative arrangement of the recorder drum and pens; and Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram of apparatus for recording rate of strain or ordinates vs. strain as abscissae. Where the same part or a corresponding identical part appears in more than one figure of the drawings it is represented in each figure by the same reference numeral. Primes follow reference numerals representing modified parts in alternative embodiments.

Referring now to Fig. 1, a test specimen 5 is fastened between cross heads 2 and 3 of a testing machine which may be any of various types known in the art. As an example, a hydraulically operated machine is shown. Cross-head 3 is initially adjusted to a convenient position, and remains stationary during the test. Oil under pressure is supplied by oil pump 4 through valve 5 to a hydraulic press comprising piston 6 cylinder 1. Valve 5 regulates the rate at which oil enters the hydraulic press. As the oil enters the press, piston 6 is forced upward. This in turn forces crosshead Z upward and applies tensile load to test specimen I.

Below cylinder 1 is a pressure capsule 8, which comprises a closed chamber filled with oil. The lower member of this chamber is connected to crosshead 3, and hence is pulled upward with a force equal to the tensile load applied to the test specimen. The initial weight of these parts is balanced by springs. Thus, the pressure of the oil within the capsule is proportional to the tensile load of test specimen I. This pressure is transmitted through tube 9 to stress drive apparatus l0, hereinafter described, which translates a trace producing apparatus which in the present embodiment of the invention comprises a writing member I I across a two-dimensional recording medium comprising a chart on the chartsupporting surface of recorder drum l2. Member II is translated along one dimension of the chart in the direction of the drum axis by amounts related to the increase in pressure within the pressure capsule, and hence to the stress applied to test specimen 1.

.is illustrated in Fig.

An electric strain gauge 13 is attached to the test specimen so, that the distance, between gauge points changes as the test specimen is .i-strained. In turn, these changes produce changes in the electrical impedance of the strain gauge. drive apparatus M, hereinafter described, responds to changes in impedance.in-zthe. electric strain gauge and rotates recorder drum 12 by amounts related to the strain of test specimen l to thereby cause the member 8 I tomove along the remaining dimension of the chart in a direc tion transverse to the axis of drum 12. The com bined movements of writing member i i and'drum l2 cause writing member H to trace a stressstrain curve on the chart.

The recorder has a second trace producing apparatus which likewise comprises a writing member 15 spaced a short-distance around the drumirom member H. Writing member is translated across the chart-suppciting surface of the drum along one dimension thereofin the direction of the drum axis by time drive apparatus l6, hereinafter described and ,1 ranslated along the remaining dimension or thechart in common with member Min a direction transverse to the drum The combinedmova .ments of writing member 15 and drum ii.- cause writingmember IE to trace on the chart a curve the slope of which is a function the-rate oi strain.

Refer, now to Fig. 2, which shows in detail one arrangement of the writing men'ihers and recorder drum. Writing members Ii 9 d id i: niorexample, be pens of conventional design. These pins have supports which ride Within slots in. .tubes I1 and i8, respectively. Tl'ie'tubes are arranged parallel to the axis of theidrum iii, so

that the pens can move laterally across a chart l9, which is supported by the surface oi the drum. Motion is transmitted to the pens by rods and .2 l, respectively, which extend inside tubes 4": and

. gears 24 by a motor 25 which is part of the strain drive apparatus.

The strain drive apparatus may be Of a type used on testing machines, alreadyltnown in the art,.which record stress vs. strain of the test specimen. One type or strain drive apparatus Referring now to Fig. 3, straingauge i3 is connected in one branch of an A. C. bridge circuit. Aninductor '25 is connected in another branch of the circuit in series with gauge 53. 13 and .26 may be twocoils of a. sin le strain ,gauge, soconstructed that when strain is applied theimpedanceuoi ,one coil increases while the impedanoeof the other decreases, or inductor'EG .may simplybe a coilwhich has about the same .value of inductance as strain gauge 13. It

be desirable, especially when making tests at elevated temperatures, to have gauge it an inductor 26 located near each other and constructed so that both are affected in the same manner by temperature changes.

The. other two legs of the .bridgecoinprise a variable impedance element 2? and a fixed impedance element 28, which may be resistors as illustrated. Whenever the impedance of'strain gauge [3 changes due to strain of the test speci- Strain ;into balance. Thus the position ofmovable tap such as a commercial 60 cycle outlet. the transformer secondary has a center tap eon 20' pedance element 28.

29 on impedance element 2? is related to the strain of the test specimen. Since indications are obtained with the bridge circuit always in balance, .theeffects of variations in supply voltage and other external factors are minimized. The variable impedance elements and iii, con-- nectedinseries. and in parallel, respectively, with impedance element ii, are provided for calibration purposes. Their use will be evident to those skilledin the art. The secondary of a. trarr .former32 is connected across gauge i3 and inductor 26 in series, to energize the bridge circuit. The primary of transformer 32 may be connected to any convenient source of alternating current, Preferably,

nected to'ground.

The output'of' the bridge is obta'ncd between terminal 33 located at the junction of gauge 13 and inductor 2t, and termine' at the junction of impedance element 4 and 1111"- The bridge output is applied through suitable connections to the input of an amplifier-limiter which provides is output an amplified error signal having the characteristics hereinafter described.

' Motor 25 is a two phase induction motor. One set of its windings is connected across the secondary of transformer 32! and is'thereby energized directly from the A. Cpsupply. The second set of windings is connected to the output of amplitier-limiter 35, and is energized in phase ture with the first windings, either lea ing or lagging, depending upon the direction of bridge unbalance. Therefore, the motor 1' 1 speed which depends upon the arnpl amplifier-limited output, and in a direction which depends upon the phase of the amplifienhmiter output relative to the A. C. supply. The motor .is connected through speed reduction gears to of the drum is related to the position oi" cu l hence to .the strain measured by st For small erro lZOll'ESlQOl amounts oi bi ;c unbalance, amp

produces an output which. rropo its input. Thus, as the apprcaci ance, the current supplied to motor L? is ally reduced. This reduces the speed of the n1otor as balance is approached. so that the m a quick balance, the gain 0' justed so that oient operate motor at full speed bridge is unbalanced by more amount.

Since it would be uncles ply more current than this to l. the bridge unbalanced the .ampliiier is provided with a limiter so no more current than is necessary ior full speed operation of the inotoris supplied at time.

The stress drive may be any one of several types already known in the art, used with testing machines having stress-strain recorders. One type is illustrated in Fig. 4.

Referring now to Fig. 4-, pressure in the pressure capsule of the testing machine is transmitted through tube 5 to a Bourdon gauge 35. An air compressor 31 supplies compressed air through a pressure regulating valve 38, which smooths out pressure fluctuations due to the compressor, to a bellows 39 and a jet nozzle 40. Covering the tip of the nozzle is a vane 4| which is connected to the end of Bourdon gauge 35, so that as the gauge straightens the vane is pulled away from nozzle 40. Also attached to vane 4| is a spring 42 which tends to pull the vane back against the nozzle opening. The other end of spring 42 is attached to a guided, vertically movable assembly which includes a rack 43. This assembly is attached to the top of bellows 39. Springs 44 attached to an arm on the guided assembly balance the bulk of the upward force due to the air pressure in the bellows. Raclr 43 is connected through gears 45 to actuate a rack attached to rod 20, which moves pen it across the chart-supporting surface of drum l2 responsive to movement of rack 43.

The apparatus is in equilibrium when exactly the same amount of air escapes through nozzle 45 as passes through valve 36. When the tensile load applied to the test specimen is increased, the pressure in the pressure capsule of the testing machine rises, which tends to straighten the tube of Bourdon gauge 33. This pulls vane di away from jet 40, and allows more air to escape. Consequently, the pressure inside bellows 39 is reduced and the bellows is collapsed by the force applied by springs 44. Rack 43 moves downward as the bellows collapses, which increases the tension in spring 42, until the tension of this spring is just sufficient to pull vane 4| back to an equilibrium position. Since the elastic limit of spring 42 is not exceeded, its elongation, and hence the movement of rack 43, is proportional to the ten:

sile load. applied to the test specimen. Movement of rack 43 moves pen I I, and the pen produces a graphical record of stress vs. strain on the chart.

Refer now to Figs. 5, 6, and 7, which show a preferred form of the time drive apparatus. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the assembled time drive apparatus; Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of gears in the apparatus of Fig. 5; and Fig. 7 is a developed view which best illustrates the operation of the apparatus. Referring particularly to Fig. 7, the time drive apparatus is operated by four synchronous electric motors 46, 41, 48, and 48. Each of these motors may be energized selectively from a suitable source of alternating current through switch 50. When energized, each motor runs at a constant speed which may, for example, b a speed of 4 revolutions per minute.

Four drive shafts 5|, 52, 53, and 54, are coupled to the four motors respectively, so that when each motor is energized its associated drive shaft is rotated at a speed of 4 revolutions per minute. Small gears 55, 56, and 5'! are attached to and rotate with drive shafts 5!, 52, and 53 respectively. The small gears respectively mesh with larger gears 58, 59, and 60 which are attached to intermediate shafts 6!, 62, and 63. Also attached to the intermediate shafts are small gears 64, 65, and 66 which mesh with larger gears 61, 68, and 69, respectively, attached to drive shafts 52, 53, and 54. The drive shafts are thus geared together so that each drive shaft may drive the next drive shaft at a slower speed. Preferably, the speed ratio between each drive shaft and the next drive shaft connected to it is 30 to 1. This ratio is obtained if gears 55 and 56, and 51 have a pitch diameter; gears 58, 59, and 30 have a 3" pitch diameter; gears 64, B5, and 66 have a pitch diameter; and gears 61, E8, and 69 have a 2%" pitch diameter.

Each of the intermediate shafts til, 52, and 53 is slidable along its axis so that its gears may be brought into engagement or disengagement selectively with their respective meshing gears. In Fig. 7 all of the intermediate gears are shown in their engaged position. These shafts are held in the engaged position by washers 1%, H, and 12, which fit into slots on collars l3, l4, and 15a attached to respective ones of the intermediate shafts. Each of the washers has one of its sides cut away, so that it may be turned to a position where it does not engage the slot of its associated collar. The shaft may then be slid along its axis to bring its gears into the disengaged position. When this is done the two adjacent driving shafts are disconnected from each other.

Shaft 54 drives a shaft 15 through two meshing gears it and H, respectively attached to the two shafts. Attached to shaft 15 is a gear 18 which meshes with a rack 19. Rack 79 is attached through rod to rod 2!, Fig. 2, and thereby to pen i5. A backing roller or guide its is provided to hold rack l3 in engagement with gear 18, as shown in Fig. 5.

When all of the gears are engaged and motor is energized, shaft 5! is rotated by the motor at a speed of 4 R. P. M. Through the gearing, shaft 52 is driven & as fast as shaft 5|; shaft 53 is driven & as fast as shaft 52; and shaft 54 is driven & as fast as shaft 53. Shaft 54 drives shaft 15, and thereb moves rack 73 from right to left. This in turn moves pen 5, Fig. 2, laterally across the chart in the direction of the recorder drum axis.

When shaft 5! is moved to the disengaged position and motor 4'! is energized, shaft 52 is rotatecl at a speed of 4 R. P. M. This is 30 times as fast as shaft 52 was driven when motor 45 was energized; and consequently rack is is moved .to the left 30 times as fast as previously. In the same manner, the speed of rack it may be increased by an additional factor of 30 by moving shaft 62 to the disengaged position and energizing motor 455; and may be increased by another factor of 33 by moving shaft to the disengaged position and energizing motor 49.

It will be appreciated that the time drive apparatus described provides a very wide range of speeds at which pen l5 be moved across the chart surface. Furthermore, this speed may be quickly changed by a factor 30 simply by sliding the appropriate intermediate shaft to the engaged or the disengaged position and turning switch 55 to energize the proper motor. The advantage of being able to make these large speed changes quickly will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Smaller speed changes may be made b changing gears it and ii. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 7 gear '35 is a small gear which have a pitch diameter, while gear ll is a much larger gear-which may have a 3" pitch diameter. With this gear combination, shaft 15 :ls driven :one fourth .asiast'as lshaft M. gears 16 email-areinterchanges-that: is, ii the /1" gearLis: attached toshaft l5. and that sear .is-atteched to shaft ii l shaitle rwillxbe driven iatiour times the speed of shaft 54. speed change c5116 .ing the two gears. :ohtained by using which shows the time required "3 l. whereupon further Thusua to lie effected by interchang- Otherspeed ratios may be gears having different pitch diameters. The following table shows five gear combinations which provide speed ratios of shaft 15.130 shaft 54 of from to 1 to .l. tol, eachi'atio differing from the preceding ratio by a factor of It may be hotel that only six gears are required to make these five combinations.

Gear all should of such size that when gear combination is used and motor is energized, pen I5, Fig. will he niovcdaeross the chart suriacoat the maximum rate of speed desired. For example, if a chart having 120 divisions is used, it is very convenient to have pen i travel thc'full distance in twelve seconds at maxir speed. For a ten inch chart, this rec; res

gear '58 have a pitch diameter of approximately one inch. The rate of travel is than ten divisions per second, which .isa convenient number .touse. This rate of travel will generally be fast enough to use with the fastest test ordinarily run with a testing machine. The foliowing table,

with various motors energized and with various gear combinations, illustrates the wide range of strain rates which can be measured with this time drive apparatus.

Time required for full scale travel (leer Combination Overtravel of the pen after full scale movement is prevented by providt'uv a slightly cutaway portion Bl at the end of rack 175. When the pen has moved the full-scale distance, gear i8 runs of! the end of rack '19 into cut-away portion rotation of the gear produces no movement of the 3Coreset the pen to its initial or zero position, shaft 63 is moved to the disengaged position and all four motors are (lo-energized. It is then possible to move manually either the pen itself or gear ll to restore the pen to its zero position.

Refer now to Fig. 8, which illustrates a set of curves plotted automatically by the apparatus which has been. described. The horizontal, or strain, axis represents distance around recorder drum 12, Fig. and the vertical axis represents distance across the chart in the direction of the drum It may be noted that two curves are plotted on the same chart. Curve 82, which repfor full scale travel" time-strain curve.

. resents :stress vs. strain, .is drawn :by" pen i 1,

while curve..83, which represents time vs. strain,

isidrawn by. pen i5. Notethat the two curves are slightly displaced from each other along the strain. axis, due to. the necessity for spacing the pens slightly apart. so that theyinay move independently of each other. However, if this space is :made exactly equal, to an'integral numuberof chart divisions, it is easy to locate corredrum, Fig. '2, which corresponds to the zero position on Fig.8. The recorder drum is in its zero straincposition, that pen I l adjacent zero in the upper row of figures along the strain axis. Fig. S, and pen i5 is adjacent zero in tlie'bottom row of figures. .In order to simultaneously energize allot" the component parts of the apparatus, electric energy is simultaneously applied to oil pump t of the hydraulic str ssing mechanism, the st ess drive apparatus Ill, and the time drive apparatus from a power supply source (shown schematically in Fig. 1) through a suitable control switch. As the test proceeds, stress is applied to the test specimen and pen H is moved across the chart by amounts proportional to such stress. .As the stress is applied, strain of the test specimen occurs, and the recorder drum rotates 1v amounts proportional to the strain. As result stress-strain curve is traced upon the chart. Simultaneously, pen i5 is moved across the chart "lay the time drive apparatus, and time-strain curve 83 is traced upon the chart. The speed of the time drive is adjusted so that curve .83 is neither too horizontal nor too vertical for changes in its slcpeto be'easily measured. Theslope 0.? curve ll-l is inversely ..proportionalto the rate of strain of the test specimen, and consequently the rate of strain corresponding to any point on the stress--strain curve can. be determined by noting the slope of the time-straincurve'at the corresponding strain value.

During the test, the rate of strain of'the test specimen may change greatly, and these changes may be very sudden. The changes may be either deliberate or accidental. For example, point 84 on curve 32, the rate of strain wasdeliberstely increased. by changing the oil valve setting of "he testing machine. This was clone so that the transient response of the metal "to a sudden change in strain rate'could be observed. The trainsient.begins'with a sharp'rise in theist1= strain curve at point 94. At the correspo; in; point Eli on curve 83, the time-strain curve becomes almost horizontal, whichtshows that the rate or strain has beenincreased greatly. determine just what the new rate of strain it a necessary to expand the time axisof the chart. This is done lay-changing from one motor to another in .1116 time drive apparatus to provide 30 to 1 increase in the speed of travel of pen i5. After such an increase, the slope of the ti. .estrain curve may have an easily measurable value as illustrated, or a further scale expansion of 30 to .1. may be necessary. As the test progresseathere may he an accidental change in strain rate, possibly due to changes within the metal tested. For example, the strain rate may return to a lower value, and the time-strain curve may then become almost vertical, as at point 86. When this occurs, a 30 to 1 speed decrease can be used to facilitate measurement of the new strain rate.

It will be appreciated from the example just given that the provision for quickly making speed changes in the order of 30 to l is a considerable advantage. The smaller speed changes provided by changing gears 16 and 11 are not so important, because it is always possible to secure an acceptable slope, between 0.18 and 5.5 approximately, of the time-strain cuve with the 30 to '1 speed changes.

Refer now to Fig. 9, which is another set of curves prepared by the apparatus which has been described, which illustrate another use of the apparatus. In this case it was desired that the strain rate should be maintained throughout the test as nearly as possible at a constant predetermined value. Before the test, line 81 was drawn on the chart with a slope corresponding to the desired strain rate. The test was then run, and during the test the operator manually adjusted the oil inlet valve of the testing machine to make time-strain curve 88 follow curve 8'! as closely as possible. Because of the speed with which accidental rate of strain changes may occur, it was not possible for the operator to maintain precisely the desired strain rate throughout the test, as is shown by the fact that curve 38 does not follow line 81 perfectly. However, curve 88 does provide a record of exactly what the true strain rate was at all times during the test. The chart thus shows the unintentional variations in strain rate, which may cause effects in stress-strain curve 89 which could not be properly interpreted if it were assumed that the strain rate was actually main tained at the constant desired value.

Refer now to Fig. 10, which shows a set of curves traced by the apparatus described during a creep test in which the stress applied to the test specimen was maintained at a constant value during the horizontal portion of stress-strain curve 90. Time strain curve 9| shows that at the beginning of the test the rate of strain was relatively great, and gradually decreased until at point 92 the time-strain curve was almost vertical. [it this point the speed of the time drive was decreased by a factor of 30, so that the timestrain curve again had an acceptable slope until point @3 was reached, at which point the strain rate had decreased to such a low value that curve 9| was again almost vertical. So the speed was decreased again by a factor of 30.

Refer now to Fig. 11, which illustrates an alternate form of time drive apparatus. This apparatus is similar to that shown in Fig. 7, except that intermediate shafts El, 62, and 63 are not slidable to disengage their gears. Instead, overrunning clutches 94, 95, and 96 perform the engaging and disengaging functions. In this embodiment, gears 58', d, and 60' are not rigidly fastened to their shafts, but are free to turn about the shafts except as they are restrained by the overrunning clutches. The clutches are so arranged that each of these gears will turn to the left relative to its shaft, but cannot turn to the right relative to its shaft. Since the intermedi ate shafts and their gears always rotate to the right, the effect is that the gears can never rotate faster than the shafts and will transmit torque to the shafts, but the shafts can rotate faster than the gears and will not transmit torque to the gears. For example, when motor 46 is energized, it will transmit torque in the decreasingspeed direction through the entire gear train to shaft 15, and thus will move rack 79 as hereinbefore explained. When motor ift is energized, it will transmit torque through the gear train in the decreasing-speed direction, and will move rack 19 thirty times as fast as it was moved by motor 45. However, torque will not be transmitted through the gear train in the increasingspeed direction, since the tendency will be for shaft iii to rotate faster than gear 58, and therefore overrunning clutch 94 will disengage the shaft from the gear. Thus, all that is necessary to change the speed of the time drive apparatus by a factor of 30 is to move switch 50 one position to the right for a speed increase, or to the left for a speed decrease. With this modification the speed changes can be made very rapidly and conveniently.

Another feature of this embodiment of the invention is the means for resetting the pen to its zero position. This is done by pressing in on reset knob t l, which slides shaft 55' over until gear l! is disengaged from gear 16. Preferably gear 18' is made wide enough so that it remains engaged with rack 19. Then by turning knob 91, the pen can be moved to its zero position. When knob 51 is released, a spring 98 forces shaft 15 back to its original position in which gear Tl is engaged with gear 76.

Refer now to Figs. 12 and 13, which illustrate one form of overrunning clutch which may be used in the apparatus of Fig. 11. Member 99 of the clutch is attached to shaft SI and always rotates with the shaft. On the inner face of member 59 there are a plurality of recessed portions I00, shaped substantially as shown. Within each recessed portion is a ball 10! which is urged to ward the shallow end of the recess by a spring I02. These balls come in contact with clutch plate Hi3, which is firmly attached to a gear such as gear 58'. When the gear has a tendency to rotate faster than the shaft each ball is thereby forced further into the shallow part of its recess, and thereby grips clutch plate I03 firmly, and prevents any substantial rotation of gear 58 to the right relative to the shaft 61. However, when the tendency is for the shaft to rotate faster than the gear, balls in! are thereby forced into the deeper part of their recess, loosen their grip on clutch plate I03, and permit the shaft to rotate to the right relative to the gear. It will be appreciated that other types of overrunning clutch may be used with this invention, such as the known sprag types and the spring-friction types.

Refer now to Fig. 14, which shows an alternative time drive apparatus operated by a single synchronous electric motor. Motor 46 is connected to rotate shaft 5| in the manner hereinbefore described. Driving shafts 52, 53', and 54 are connected to shaft 5| through a gear train comprising gears I04, I05, I06, Nil, )8, I09, and Hit, and clutches Ill, H2, and H3, as shown. When the clutches are engaged they respectively connect gear I06 to shaft 52, gear i08 to shaft 53, and gear Hi] to shaft 54. When the clutches are disengaged the gears rotate freely without transmitting torque to the shafts. When all three clutches Hi, H2, and H3 are disengaged, the time drive apparatus 010- erates at its slowest speed in the same manner as in apparatus shown in Fig. 11. When clutch acsaeee H l isengaged, shaft 52is driven through gears W5, W5, and W6 at the same speed as shaft i; and the time drive apparatus operates at 30 times the speed of operation with all clutches disengaged. Overrunning; clutch 9A autornath cally disengages the 30 to 1 ratio gearing be-. tween shafts EI and 52, and thus prevents binding of the gears. Similarly, when clutch H2 is engaged shaft 53' is driven at the same speed as shaft El, and whenclutch H3 is engaged shaft 55' is driven at the same speed as shaft 51. Thus any of the 30 to 1 speed changes can be produced simply by engaging or disengaging the proper clutches. It may be noted that the speed of operation is determined by the last clutch toward the right which is engaged, and that it is immaterial whether the preceding clutches are engaged or disengaged. For example, when clutch H3 is engaged, as shown in Fig. la, the time drive operation is at its fastest speed, whether clutches III and H2 are disengaged, as shown, or engaged.

Refer now to Figs. 15 and 16, which show in detail one type of clutch which may be used for clutches III, H2, and H3, Fig. 14. Referring particularly to Fig. 15, clutch member H4 is slidably mounted on the end of a driving shaft, for example, shaft 52. Member II l has a slot which engages a key H5 which is at-- tached to the driving shaft, so that theshaft and member H4 always rotate together, although the clutch member may slide axially along the shaft. In the engaged position of the clutch, a spring IIB forces member H4 snugly against a clutch plate Ill whichis attached to or a part of a gear, for example, gear I936. Thus when the clutch is engaged the gear is connected in driving relation to the shaft so that the two rotate together.

The clutch is disengaged by pressing against the outer end of member III! to slide this memher along the shaft away from contact with clutch plate Ill. Gear I06 then rotates freely, independent of shaft rotation. A washer H8 is provided which fits over the end of member -I M to hold the clutch in its disengaged position against the tension of spring IIG.

Refer now to Fig. 16, which is a front View of washer I Ill and shows its construction. One side of washer H8 is cut away as shown,.so that .the washer can be turned selectively to a position where it holds member I I4 in the disengaged position, or can be turned to a position where the cutaway portion of the washer permits member IIIl to move outward to the engaged position.

Refer now to Fig. 17, which shows an alternate arrangement of the pens on the recording drum. recording drum shown in Fig. 2, and the chart which the drum supports is divided into two sections. The stress-strain curve is recorded on the lower section of the chart, while the timestrain curve is recorded on the upper section. The two writing members are in line, so that corresponding points on the twocurves lie one directly above the other, and the same strain units apply to both curves. Rods 20 and 2|,

which are respectively attached to the two pens,

diagram of an alternative rate-of-strain recorder.

in which pen I5 is translated laterally across Drum I2 is somewhat longer than. the? the chart by amounts related to the rate of strain, instead of at a predetermined time rate. With this embodiment, the ordinate instead of the slope of the curve obtained represents the rate of strain. This makes it easier to read rate-of-strain values from the chart, but the ap paratus which must be employed is somewhat more complex.

In this embodiment the strain drive apparatus which rotates recorder drum I2 by amounts related to strain of the test specimen may be identical to that shown in Fig. 3 and hereinbefore described.

Phototubes H9 and I28 in series are connected' in parallel with strain gauge It and in-- ductor 26, with their polarities such that both phototubes are conducting during the same halfcycle of alternating current, and both are non conducting during the other half-cycle. Phototubes H9 and I25 may be the two halves of a twin phototube contained in a single envelope, as illustrated in the drawing. Preferably the phototubes are of the vacuum type having minimum conductivity in the reverse direction. A resistor. IN and the primary. of a transformer I22 are connected in series between the junction of strain gauge and inductor Esand the junction of phototubes HQ and Its. Prefer-- ably, ther is connected in parallel with the primary of transformer I22. a capacitor m3 which has the proper value of capacitance to tune the transformer primary to resonance at the fundamental frequency of the A. C. supply.

Two vacuum tubes I2 and I25 have their respective anodes connected to opposite ends of the secondary of transformer 32; The cathodes of these two vacuumtubes are connected together through cathode resistor I26, which has a center tap connected to ground. Preferably capacitor I2? is connected in parallel withresistor i26 as shown.

The secondary of. transforn'ler IE2 is connected to the input ofan amplifier I253. One output terminal of amp1iiierl28 is connected to ground; theother output terminal is connected to the grids of vacuum tubes I24 and A fluxmeter. galvanometer I28, preferably oi the-type described in U. E. Patent 2,356,608, is-

sued to ;L. OBryan and assigned to the same.

assigneeas this application, is connected in series with .aswitch ifiiiiacross resistor I26. galvanometer is positioned so that light from lamp I3I is reflected from themirrorof thegalvanometer to phototubes. H5" and that the relative illumination. of the two phototubes depends upon theangular position of. the galvanometer mirror.

Two additional phototubes 32 and IE3 in series are connected across the secondary of transformer 32in the same waythat phototubcs H9 and I25] are connected; The primaryof a transformer I34.is connected betv'eetl the junction of phototubes l32and ltfland the rids-of vacuum tubes i2 5 andv I251. Preferably a capacitor i323 is connected. in parallel with the primary of I34 to tunethe transformer primary to resonance at the fundamental frequency of the alternating current source. The. impedance of the transformer primary should be high compared to the impedanceof .the phototubes, or an additional impedanceelement Mama-y be placed in series with the transformer primary, as shown;

Vacuum tubes I3Eand Ifll have their respective anodesconnected to opposite ends of the secondaryof transformer 32.

in such a way The. cathodes of vacuum tubes I36 and I31 are connected together through cathode resistor I38 which has a grounded center tap. Preferably a capacitor I39 is connected in parallel with resistor I38.

The secondary of transformer I34 is connected to the input terminals of an amplifier I40. One output terminal of amplifier I40 is connected to ground, and the other is connected to the grids of vacuum tubes I36 and I31.

A fluxmeter galvanometer MI is connected in series with a switch I42 across resistor I38. This galvanometer is positioned to reflect light from a lamp I43 to phototubes I32 and I33, so that the relative illumination of the two phototubes depends upon the angular position of the galvanometer mirror.

A rectifier I44, an impedance element I45, and a rectifier I46 are connected in series in the order stated across the secondary of transformer 32. The rectifiers have their polarities arranged so that both are conducting during the same halfcycle of alternating current that phototubes I32 and I33 conducting, and are non-conducting during the other half-cycle.

Impedance element I has an adjustable tap I41. This tap and the junction of phototubes I32 and I33 are connected to the input of an amplifier-limiter I43, preferably through a transformer I49. A capacitor I50 may be connected in parallel with the primary of transformer I49 to tune the transformer primary to resonance at the fundamental frequency of the alternating current source. Amplifier-limiter 248 may have the same characteristics as amplifier-limiter 35, hereinbefore described.

A two-phase induction motor l5I is connected through suitable speed reducing gears, not shown, in drivin relation to pen I5 and movable tap I41. The output terminals of amplifierlimiter I48 are connected to one set or the windings of motor I5I; the other set of the motors windings are connected across the secondary of transformer 32.

Switches I30 and I42 are normally open, but each is closed periodically by cams- I52 and I53 operated by timing motor I54 through adjustable ratio gearing I55.

The principle of operation of this recorder is that successive strain values, taken a predetermined time interval apart, are compared, and the difference between successive values is used as a measure of the rate of strain.

The relation between the impedance of strain gauge I3 and the impedance of inductor 26 depends upon the amount of strain of the test specimen, as hereinbefore explained. During the half-cycle when the phototubes conduct, the relation of the impedance of phototube II9 to the impedance of phototube I20 depends upon the relative illumination of the phototubes, and hence upon the mirror position of galvanometer I29. If during this half-cycle the impedance ratio of phototubes I I9 and I29 is the same as the impedance ratio of strain gauge I3 and inductor 26, no current will flow through resistor 2| and the primary of transformer I22, because during this half-cycle the voltage division across the two phototubes is exactly the same as the voltage division across strain gauge I3 and inductor 26. During the half-cycle when the phototubes are non-conducting, it is evident that no appreciable current can fiow through the resistor and the transformer primary, since the current cannot flow through either phototube.

However, if during the half-cycle when the phototubes conduct their impedance ratio is not the same as the impedance ratio of strain gauge I3 and inductor 26, current will flow through resistor HI and the primary of transformer I22. This current will be a pulsating D. C., which will have an amplitude related to the degree of difference in the impedance ratios. This pulsating D. C. has a true D. C. component, a fundamenta frequency A. C. component, and harmonic frequency components. For present purposes only the fundamental frequency component is of importance. This component is transmitted by transformer I22 with the greatest efliciency, since the primary of the transformer is tuned to resonance at the fundamental frequency, as has been explained.

The A. C. components of current through the primary of transformer I22 are amplified by amplifier I28 and applied to the grids of vacuum tubes I24 and I25. When there is no alternating current through transformer I22, tubes I24 and I25 conduct equally, and their cathodes are at the same D. C. potential. However, if the impedance ratio of strain gauge I3 to inductor 26 is greater than the impedance ratio of phototube IE9 to phototube I20, a fundamental frequency component of voltage is applied to the grid of tube I24, which is in phase with the anode voltage of this tube. This increases the conduction of tube I24. The same fundamental frequency component is applied to the grid of tube I25, but in this case the grid voltage is in phase opposition to the anode voltage, so that tube I25 conducts a lesser amount of current. This causes a difference in voltage drop across the two halves of resistor I26, and makes the cathode of tube I24 positive with respect to the cathode of tube I25. If the impedance ratio of strain gauge It to inductor 26 is smaller than the impedance ratio of phototube H9 to phototu'ce I20, the fundamental frequency current through transformer I 22, and hence the fundamental frequency voltage applied to the grids of vacuum tubes I24 and I25, is reversed in phase. In this case tube I25 conducts more current than tube I24, and the cathode of tube I24 becomes negative with respect to the cathode of tube I25.

Whenever there is a difference in D. C. potential between the cathode of tube I24 and the oath-- ode of tube I25, and when switch I36 is closed, a current flows through fluxmeter galvanometer I29. The fluxmeter galvanometers have the characteristic that when current flows through ths galvanometer the mirror rotates in a direc-,

tion depending upon the direction of current, and when current flow stops, the mirror stops rotating and remains in its last position. The suspension torque of these instruments is compensated so that there is no tendency of the mirror to return to any particular position in the absence of current.

The current flowing through galvanometer :29 due to a difference in D. C. potential between the cathodes of tubes I24 and I25 rotates the galvanometer mirror and thus changes the relative illumination of phototubes IIS and 526. This change in illumination changes the impedance ratio of the two phototubes. When this impedance ratio has been changed sufficiently that it is the same as the impedance ratio between strain gauge I3 and inductor 26, there is no further current flow through transformer I22, and the conduction of vacuum tubes I24 and I25 becomes equal. Therefore there is no further current flow through galvanometer i253, and rotation of the .galvanometer mirror ceases.

From the above description it is evident that this part of the circuitis in effect an A. C. bridge circuit which will automaticallyrebalance itself whenever switch I3?! is closed. This rebalancing action'can be very rapid, since the only moving, parts are the moving elements of galvanometer I29, which are very light and have low inertia. In'addition, these moving" parts move by a very slight amount to rebalance the bridge, and the error signal available for rebalancing is relatively large, since it is amplified by amplifier I23.

When switch I30 is open, the bridge does not rebalance itself, and the amplified error signal which is the output of amplifier H8 is related to the change in impedance of strain gauge 13 during the time interval since the bridge was last rebalanced. The strain gauge should be de signed to have a strain-impedance characteristic such that the amplitude of the error signal is always substantially proportional to the changes in strain. If the strain gauge characteristic is linear, e desirable to insert an additional impedance element in series with gauge I3 so that the percentage changes in impedance of the bridge arms is small.

Phototubes I32 and H3, vacuum tubes I35 and I3'I, amplifier Hill and fluxmeter galvancmeter I41 are parts of a similar self-balancing A. bridge circuit. When the output of amplifier I28 iszero, the grids of vacuum tubes 24 and E255 are at ground potential. If switch I 52 is th n closed, galvanometer II will move toadiust impedance ratio of phototubes and until the junction of these phototubes is also at ground potential. If there is an ontput signal from plifier I28 when switch M2 is closed, the unpedance ratio of phototubes I32 and 133 will be adjusted to such a value that the fundamental frequency voltage of their junction is equal to and in phase with the voltage output of amplifier If the impedance ratio of the two sides of impedance element I45 is the same as the 1m pedanoe ratio of phctotube I32 to phototube there will be no fundamental frequency current through the primary of transformer I lil. However, if there is a difference in these impedance ratios, there will be a fundamental frequency current through transformer Hill whicwill an amplitude and phase dependent upon the degree and direction of the difference in the two ratios. This current provides an error signal. which is amplified by amplifier-limiter M2 applied to one set of windings of motor I5I. This causes motor 15! to rotate and move tap I47 in the proper direction to make the two impedance ratios equal.

Now, suppose timing motor E54 drives cams l52 and I53 at a speed of one revolution per second. Then once each second switches I353 and I42 are closed. For example, suppose that switch i30is closed for the first one-sixth of each second, that both switches are open for two-thirds of each second, and that switch M2 is closed for the last one-sixth of each second. When switch iii l is closed, a galvanorneter I25! brings the impedance ratio of phototubes I I9 and me into equality with the impedance ratio of strain gauge Ifiand inductor 26. Both switches then remain open for twothirds of a second. :At the end of this time there is a fundamental frequency'output from amplifier I28 which is related to the change in impedance of strain gauge I3 during the preceding two thirds second. At this pointswitch I42 is closed. and galvanorneter MI adjusts the impedance ratio of phototubes I 32 and I33, so that the fundamental frequency voltage at the junction of these two phototubes is equal to the output voltage of amplifier I28. Switch I42 is then'opened, switch I39 is closed, and the cycle is repeated. Thus the fundamental frequency voltage at the junction of'phototubes I32 and I33 is adjusted once each second to a value related to the change in impedance of strain gauge I3 during two-thirds of the preceding second. Motor I5I in turn maintains the position of tap I l! such-that the impedance ratio across impedance element I45 is likewise a function of the change in strain gauge impedance during two-thirds second intervals, and hence isrelated to the rate of strain of the test specimen. Since movement of pen I5 is proportional to movement of tap I41, the pen traces a rate-of-strain curve on the chart.

In this embodiment of the invention a che ngc of scale may be-efiected by changing the length of the time cycle for the closing of switches I39 and I42. For example, the gear ratio of adjustable ratio gearing may be changed by a factor of 30, so that switches I30 and M2 are closed once each 30 seconds instead of once each second. This produces a 30 to 1 expansion of the rate of strain scale on the chart.

It will be evident to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications of this apparatus are possible without departing from the principles employed. For example, switches Itil and I42 could be replaced with relays, either mechanical or electronic, which could be operated at the proper times by various different types of timing mechanisms.

Having described the principles of this invention and the best mode in which Ihave contemplated applying those principles, I wish it to be understood that the apparatus described is illustrative only, and that other means can be employed without departing from the true scope of the invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In combination with a testing machine for determining the stress-strain characteristics of a test specimen, a drum having a chart-supporting surface, means to rotate said drum by amounts related to the strain of the test specimen, a first Writing member, means to translate said first writingmember across the chart-supporting surface in the direction of the drum axis by amounts related to the stress applied to the test specimen, a second writingmembenmeans to translate said second writing member across the chart-supporting surface in the direction of the drum axis at a, predeterminedtime rate, end means for Sll taneously actuating the f rst and second \VTlb 15;; member translating means in response to actuation of the testing machine.

2. In combination with a testing" machine for determining the stress-strain characteristics of a test specimen, a drum having a chart-supporting surface, means to rotate said drum by amounts related to the strain of the test specimen, a first writing member, means to translate said first writing member across the chart-supporting surface in the direction of the drum axis by amounts related to the stress applied to the test specimen. a second writing member, a'constant-speed mo tor, means including an adjustableuatio gear train connected in driven relation to said motor and in driving relation to said second writing member to translate the second writing member across the chart-supporting surface in the direction of the drum aXis at a predetermined. time rate, and means for simultaneously actuating the first and second writing member translating means in response to actuation of the testing machine.

3. In combination with a testing machine for determining the stress-strain characteristics of a test specimen, a drum having a chart-supporting surface, means to rotate said drum by amounts related to the strain of the test specimen, a first writing member, means to translate said first writing member across the chart-supporting surface in the direction of the drum axis by amounts related to the stress applied to the test specimen, a second writing member, means to translate said second writing member across the chart-supporting surface in the direction of the drum axis by amounts related to the rate of strain of the test specimen, and means for simultaneously actuating the first and second writing member translating means in response to actuation of the testing machine.

4. In combination with a testing machine for determining the stress-strain characteristics of test specimens, a two-dimensional recording medium, first and second trace producing apparatus cooperating with said recording medium for producing traces on the recording medium at any point in a desired two-dimensional area thereof, means coacting with the trace producing apparatus for effecting movement of both the trace producing apparatus in common relative to the recording medium along one dimension of the recording medium in accordance with the strain developed in the test specimen, means for simultaneously controlling the action of said first trace producing apparatus in the remaining dimension of the recording medium in accordance with the stress applied to the test specimen, means for simultaneously controlling the action of said second trace producing apparatus in the remaining dimension at a predetermined time rate, and means for simultaneously actuating the first and second trace producing apparatus controlling means in response to actuation of the testing machine.

5. In combination with a testing machine for determining the stress-strain characteristics of test specimens, a two-dimensional recording medium, first and second writing members normally engaging the recording medium and adapted to be separately moved relative to the recording medium in either one of two opposite directions in either dimension thereof, means for moving said recording medium relative to both of said writing members in either direction of one dimension thereof in accordance with the strain developed in the test specimen, means for simultaneously moving said first writing member relative to the recording medium in the remaining dimension of the recording medium in accordance with the stress applied to the specimen, means for simultaneously moving said second writing member relative to the recording medium in the remaining dimension thereof at a predetermined time rate, and means for simultaneously actuating the first and second writing member moving means in response to actuation of the testing machine.

6. In combination with a testing machine for determining the stress-strain characteristics of test specimens, a two-dimensional recording medium, first and second writing members normally engaging the recording medium and adapted to be separately moved relative to the recording medium in either one of two opposite directions in either dimension thereof, means for moving said recording medium relative to both of said writing members in either direction or one dimension thereof in accordance with the strain developed in the test specimen, means for simultaneously moving said first writing member relative to the recording medium in the remaining dimension of the recording medium in accordance with the stress applied to the specimen, adjustable speed drive means connected in driving relation to said second-writing member for moving the same relative to the recording medium in the remaining dimension thereof at an adjustable time rate, and means for simultaneously actuating the first and second writing member moving means in response to actuation of the testing machine.

7. In combination with a testing machine for determining the stress-strain characteristics of test specimens, a two-dimensional recording medium, first and second trace producing apparatus cooperating with said recording medium for producing traces on the recording medium at any point in a desired two-dimensional area thereof, means coacting with the trace producing apparatus for eifecting movement of both the trace producing apparatus in common relative to the recording medium along one dimension of the recording medium in accordance with the strain developed in the test specimen, means for simultaneously controlling the action of said first trace producing apparatus in the remaining dimension of the recording medium in accordance with the stress applied to the test specimen, and means for simultaneously controlling the action of said second trace producing apparatus at a rate related to the rate of strain of the test specimen, and means for simultaneously actuating the first and second trace producin apparatus controlling means in response to actuation of the testing machine.

JACK D. LUBAHN.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,103,691 Schuch July 14, 1914 1,728,279 Ramsey Sept. 17, 1929 1,877,467 Lake Sept. 13, 1932 1,935,421 Valentine Nov. 14, 1933 2,014,357 Klemperer Sept. 10, 1935 2,153,317 Sigo Apr. 4, 1939 2,164,993 Lewis July 4, 1939 2,181,728 Greentree Nov. 28, 1939 2,198,040 Peters Apr. 23, 1940 2,362,589 Simmons, Jr Nov. 14, 1944 2,496,420 Stern Feb. 7, 1950 2,555,633 Comins June 5, 1951 2,560,135 Shearer July 10, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 541,203 Great Britain Nov. 17, 1941 OTHER REFERENCES Mechanical Testing by Batson and Hyde (Chapman & Hall, Ltd), vol. 1, pp. 154-155, 1922.

Electronics, Strain Gages, December 1943, 73-885 pp. 106 et seq. 

